Anna Korolainen Crevier (@annakorolainencrevier) from @spindrifttheatre discusses the Master’s in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research (CDPR). The unique double-degree program, which she experienced in both Helsinki and Paris, provides an in-depth understanding of dramaturgy as the "anatomy of a performance." Anna shares details about the program's focus on artistic research and her personal exploration of creativity, pleasure, and playfulness.
Timestamps
(0:43) - Introduction
(3:17) - The double-degree structure and partner schools
(10:59) - Application process
(26:21) - Advice for applicants
(32:33) - Work-life balance as a parent
(36:50) - Where to find Anna's work
Hosted by Ellenor Rose Nish (@studiomokii, studiomokii.com).
In this episode, Siiri discusses the Cultural Study of Music program at the Sibelius Academy, a degree that focuses on music from the perspective of cultural studies. Why does Siiri value a broad education, who are the forgotten female Finnish composers and how did she land in the Seinäjoki unit of the Academy? You will find out, and more, in this weeks interview.
Or read all about it in the blogpost.
Book recommendations:
Stuart Hall: Essential Essays, Volume 1 & 2 (2019)
Janet Wolff: The Social Production of Art (1981)
Sini Mononen ja Susanna Välimäki (toim.): Muusiikki muutosvoimana: Aktivistisen musiikintutkimuksen manifesti (2018)
Timestamps
(0:08) Meet Siiri
(1:17) What is Seinäjoki like?
(3:39) What do you study there?
(5:18) About the bachelor
(7:40) Study path
(10:05) Siiri's journey
(11:07) Application process
(12:32) New trends in the cultural field
(13:43) Internship
(15:56) After graduation
(17:20) Thesis
(18:35) Advice for applicants
(21:07) Wellbeing
Hosted by Elle (studiomokii.com)
From street dance to circus acrobatics, dance isn't just about movement—it's about connection. In this episode, Paulina Latva (@pauliinalatva, www.pauliinalatva.com) joins us to discuss the Master's in Dance Pedagogy at the Theatre Academy. We dive into her journey, the core philosophy of her studies, and how dance education is evolving to embrace new ideas about embodied learning.
Timestamps
(0:18) - Meet Paulina
(1:05) - What is Dance Pedagogy?
(2:10) - Degree structure and her internship
(4:53) - Hopes for the future
(5:32) - Application process
(7:12) - Advice for aspiring dance teachers
(9:01) - Trends in dance pedagogy
(12:35) - Creative process
(15:59) - Well-being and self-care
(17:22) - Final thoughts
Hosted by Ellenor Rose Nish (@studiomokii, studiomokii.com).
Tuuli talks about the versatile and broad nature of her Master's in Music Education at the Sibelius Academy. She shares her personal journey and experiences, discussing how the program focuses on both musicianship and pedagogy. There are also insight into current trends and challenges in the field, such as gender equality and the role of art in society.
Read the connected blog post here.
Timestamps
(00:12) - What is music education?
(01:17) - Tuuli's background
(04:39) - Tuuli's teaching philosophy
(06:16) - Dreams after graduation
(10:59) - The application process
(13:58) - Advice for applicants
(16:21) - Changes in the field
(25:55) - On well-being
Hosted by Ellenor Rose Nish (@studiomokii, studiomokii.com).
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of the art world? Well, come listen as Matilda and Yesol discuss their Arts Management, Society and Creative Entrepreneurship degree at the Sibelius Academy. They reveal the importance of passion, finding a framework, and what an "arts manager" actually does in a degree where you can carve your own path.
Timestamps
(0:44) - What is Arts Management?
(4:55) - Personal interests in Arts Management
(9:52) - Degree structure and freedom
(11:59) - What do you learn?
(15:22) - Application process
(17:23) - Advice for someone interested in Arts Management
(20:15) - Changes and developments in the field
(23:18) - Well-being and balancing input and output
(26:55) - Finding role models
Hosted by Ellenor Rose Nish (@studiomokii, studiomokii.com).
Best enjoyed on headphones – this episode is recorded in immersive binaural sound.
In this episode, sound design MA student and ambassador Sarah Kivi dives into the heart of Finnish sauna culture with Kimmo Helistö – a pioneering entrepreneur and cultural advocate known for revitalizing Helsinki’s public sauna scene.
From steam to silence, tradition to transformation – join us for a exploration of one of Finland’s most cherished rituals.
In this episode, student ambassador Snowdrop shares their experience of choosing a field of study at the Academy of Fine Arts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snowdrop_belmont/
In this episode, student ambassador Elle (@studiomokii) interviews Rong (@rrong.ci.z) about their cycling experiences and how these have influenced her artistic practice, as well as sharing some tips on getting a bike and maintaining it especially for those who live in Helsinki.
Helsinki Cycling I: Where to Get a Bike? https://blogit.uniarts.fi/en/post/helsinki-cycling-i-where-to-get-a-bike/
Finland Cycling I: Mental Preparation and Route Planning for the First Bikepacking Trip https://blogit.uniarts.fi/en/post/finland-cycling-i-mental-preparation-and-route-planning-for-the-first-bikepacking-trip/
Finland Cycling II: Solo Camping and Safety https://blogit.uniarts.fi/en/post/finland-cycling-ii-solo-camping-and-safety/
Mylly is an introduction period for newcomers to the Academy of Fine Arts.
In this episode, student ambassador Snowdrop (@snowdrop_belmont) talks about what the introduction period for bachelor’s students is like at the Academy of Fine Arts (KuvA).
In this episode, Rong-Ci Zhang interviews Caressa Betist and Lola Barraud about their artistic practices and their works for Kuvan Kevät 2025.
Kuvan Kevät is the name of the Academy of Fine Arts Master’s graduation exhibition.
Lola Barraud workshop during Kuvan Kevät:
Dates : 24/05, 01/06, 07/06, 14/06
Times : 11:00 or 14:00
Location: Kuva/Tila
Bookings are made by email as the workshops are limited to 8 people per session: lola.barraud@outlook.com
Link to Instagram:
Lola Barraud: https://www.instagram.com/lola.totoro/
Caressa Betist: https://www.instagram.com/caressabetist/
Timestamps
(0:26) – Self-introductions
(2:15) – What is the main topic in your practice? How did it develop during your studies?
(6:26) – Could you unpack your works for the Kuvan Kevät exhibition a bit more?
(15:00) – If you had to ask each other one question about the other’s work, what would it be?
(25:00) – How has the written part of your thesis been?
(33:00) – Lola’s workshop during Kuvan Kevät
In this episode, student ambassadors Haiyun and Rong share their experiences of voting in the Finnish municipal election, held on 13 April 2025, as foreign nationals. What was it like to vote? And what does it mean for international students to have the right to vote?
Timestamps
(0:33) – Self-introduction
(2:03) – How did we learn about the municipal election?
(3:50) – What are the eligibility requirements for foreign nationals to vote in Finland?
(5:42) – How do you decide whom to vote for?
(9:20) – What does it mean for foreign nationals to have the right to vote?
(13:10) – What was the voting process like for you?
George: “The whole point of academia is learning, trying and failing, and then progressing and expanding because of that.”
Lapsing Around is a series on Life of an Art Student Pod that delves deep into the LAPS programme.
In this episode, Georgios Rallis interviews Shaghayegh Ansari, a student in the LAPS programme (Live Art and Performance Studies, MA at the Theatre Academy, Uniarts Helsinki).
Link to LAPS programme: https://www.uniarts.fi/en/study-programmes/live-art-and-performance-studies-master/
Link to Uniarts blog post: https://blogit.uniarts.fi/en/latest-blog-posts/
Uniarts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniartshelsinki/
LAPS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveart_performancestudies/
Georgios Rallis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gravity_grave/
Timestamps
(1:20) – If you could relive a memory of your life, what would it be and why?
(5:00) – How has the LAPS programme been for you? At what stage are you?
(7:15) – How did you end up being in LAPS? How was the process for you?
(11:56) – Can you explain a bit more about the combination of work and theory?
(14:00) – Exist internationally.
(20:30) – Advice about the application process.
(22:40) – What do you like the most about the academy? What's the one thing you’d take away from it?
(24:45) – What do you like the most about Finland? How about the other way around?
(26:40) – Shaghayegh Ansari’s practice.
(38:52) – Shaghayegh Ansari’s thesis work, schedule, location, and process.
(45:00) – Your working method and strategy here at Uniarts.
(48:00) – How do you see yourself relating to the artistic field in the future?
How do you know when it’s the right time to go? In this episode, Rong interviews Elle (a second-year master’s student in Printmaking at the Academy of Fine Arts) about her student exchange experience in Tromsø, Norway.
Blog post on exchange studies by Elle: Differences and Similarities Between Studying in Norway vs. Finland
Bus from Finland to Norway: Eskelisen Lapin Linjat
Timestamps
(0:43) – Self-introduction
(1:06) – What was the application process like?
(2:34) – What is your practice about, and how does it relate to your exchange?
(6:24) – Have you ever changed your study area within the academy?
(7:09) – How did you know it was the right time to go?
(11:13) – What changed the most in your practice after the exchange?
(13:30) – If you compare Tromsø and Helsinki, what’s the biggest difference in your opinion?
(15:40) – By going to Norway, did it break your idealization of how the North should be?
(19:54) – How do you travel to Norway from Finland?
(24:23) – What are the courses like in Tromsø? How do they differ from KuvA?
(27:54) – Accessing courses at other universities (JOO study right)
(31:02) – After your exchange, what do you think it brought you the most—both as a person and as an artist?
Lapsing Around is a series on Life of an Art Student Pod that delves deep into the LAPS programme.
In this episode, Georgios Rallis interviews Xiaole Wang, a student in the LAPS programme (Live Art and Performance Studies, MA at the Theatre Academy, Uniarts Helsinki).
Link to LAPS programme: https://www.uniarts.fi/en/study-programmes/live-art-and-performance-studies-master/
Link to blog post: https://blogit.uniarts.fi/en/latest-blog-posts/
Uniarts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniartshelsinki/
LAPS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveart_performancestudies/
Georgios Rallis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gravity_grave/
Xiaole Wang Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinpure/
Timestamps
(0:39) – Self-introduction
(2:08) – What is your biggest pet peeve? What’s something that absolutely irritates you?
(3:40) – How has LAPS been for you so far?
(5:23) – How was the application process for you?
(10:50) – What was your biggest takeaway? What are the positives and negatives of the program?
(13:40) – What about the courses? Did anything stand out to you specifically?
(17:43) – Do you have any advice for people coming to Finland for the first time?
(27:18) – How did the combination in your research come about?
(36:13) – What was your experience like going to Berlin with a grant from the academy?
(39:29) – What is your thesis work about? What method are you using?
(46:20) – Where do you see yourself in the future?
In this episode, Rong interviews Gesa Piper, an alumni of the Theatre Academy and project coordinator of TIAN (TeaK’s International Alumni Network). They reflected on Uniarts’ language policy, the main function of languages as a tool for information trading within the academy, and various linguistic aspects in their practices.
Link to TIAN’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tian_uniarts/
Timestamps
(0:38) – Self-introduction
(2:07) – What roles have you taken in Uniarts?
(3:38) – Body-based artistic practice
(12:00) – Everything is in relation to languages, structures, and allegories.
(21:10) – Language is more than just an information transmitter.
(27:55) – Language as a form of art
(30:52) – The state before language
(38:54) – How do you keep all your plants watered? How do you cope with multilingualism?
(44:35) – What are your thoughts on the language policy at Uniarts?
(53:57) – What is TIAN? How has your role as TIAN coordinator been?
(66:47) – Do you have a vision of what the future might look like?
Lapsing Around is a new series on Life of an Art Student Pod that delves deep into the LAPS programme.
In this episode, Georgios Rallis interviews Duncan Robertson, a student in the LAPS programme (Live Art and Performance Studies, MA at the Theatre Academy, Uniarts Helsinki).
Link to LAPS programme: https://www.uniarts.fi/en/study-programmes/live-art-and-performance-studies-master/
Link to blog post: https://blogit.uniarts.fi/en/latest-blog-posts/
Uniarts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniartshelsinki/
LAPS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveart_performancestudies/
Georgios Rallis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gravity_grave/
Duncan Robertson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanrobertsson/
Timestamps
(0:32) – Self-introduction
(2:17) – If there were one corporate job you could try out for a year, what would it be and why?
(4:07) – How has the program been for you so far?
(8:32) – How was the application process for you?
(14:42) – What would be your thorns and roses throughout the two years of studying?
(20:54) – Do you have any advice for people who are applying?
(22:00) – If we look at the bigger picture—Uniarts and Finland.
(25:39) – How long have you been performing? How did it come about? Duncan’s practice centers around capitalism, power structures, and perhaps also masculinity in the business world.
(39:25) – Performance context at MUU Helsinki Contemporary Art Center (March 5–9, 2025)
(44:48) – Where do you see yourself in relation to the artistic field? Do you have any aspirations?
Lapsing Around is a new three-episode series on Life of an Art Student Pod.
In this episode, Georgios Rallis interviews Freja Backman, a lecturer in the LAPS programme (Live Art and Performance Studies, MA at the Theatre Academy, Uniarts Helsinki). They discuss their artistic practices, the meaning of “we” and collective today.
Link to LAPS programme: https://www.uniarts.fi/en/study-programmes/live-art-and-performance-studies-master/
Uniarts: https://www.instagram.com/uniartshelsinki/
LAPS: https://www.instagram.com/liveart_performancestudies/
Georgios Rallis: https://www.instagram.com/gravity_grave/
Link to blog post: https://blogit.uniarts.fi/en/latest-blog-posts/
Timestamps
(0:35) – Self-introduction
(5:50) – What specifically attracted you to teaching in LAPS?
(7:46) – Artists and society
(9:55) – What aspect of the academy would you like to see change?
(13:42) – Freja’s practice
(21:00) – Earthy materiality in artistic practices
(27:55) – The dualism between care and intimacy turning into intimidation—how do you relate to this, if at all?
(38:36) – What is “we”? What would “we” do? Is collective work still a political stance, a marketing strategy, a failed project, or a necessity for our survival? What would a demonstration poem look like today?
(42:48) – Shifting gears in between seasons in Finland
(48:15) – What are your favorite metal bands
Lapsing Around is a new three-episode series on Life of an Art Student Pod.
In the first episode, Georgios Rallis interviews Tero Nauha, professor of the LAPS programme (Live Art and Performance Studies, MA at the Theatre Academy, Uniarts Helsinki). They discuss everything related to LAPS and Uniarts, including the application process, the programme’s content, and the experiences of students within the university.
Link to LAPS programme: https://www.uniarts.fi/en/study-programmes/live-art-and-performance-studies-master/
Tero Nauha Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/teronauha/
Timestamps
(1:08) – Self-introduction
(5:50) – How Georgios discovered LAPS
(7:17) – What is the programme about? How long has it been running?
(11:30) – Application process and experiences
(17:19) – What qualities do you look for in applicants?
(26:05) – What’s your favorite part of the academy? What would you change if you could?
(38:24) – How long have you been performing? Can you talk about your practice a bit?
(51:15) – Let’s go back to capitalism for a bit
(54:03) – Do you actually believe artistic production can be a cure for this social ailment or a sustainable way of living and creating?
(66:44) – Do you think a different approach to materials could provide an alternative?
(73:11) – What is the color of the future? What should we wear for the performance tomorrow?
In this episode, Rong and Asja (Anastasiia Lapteva), who studies printmaking at the Academy of Fine Arts, discuss the process of preparing for a bachelor’s exhibition, how seminars are conducted, and how the practices are discussed both within the academy and beyond.
Timestamps
(0:45) – Self-introduction
(1:52) – What’s the overall structure of the bachelor’s thesis?
(3:34) – Does writing your thesis in Finnish relate to your practice?
(5:16) – How does the exhibition process unfold within the study structure?
(9:12) – How do the courses at the school help you prepare for the exhibition?
(12:48) – How do people discuss their practices in seminars?
(18:28) – Is the bachelor’s thesis seminar different from other seminars?
(22:41) – What is the discussion vibe like at the academy?
(28:04) – What kind of support does the academy provide?
(33:27) – How is the oral examination conducted?
(39:00) – Valuable lessons learned from the bachelor’s exhibition.
In this episode, Rong and Mark (Mark Reid Bulatovic), who mastered classical guitar performance at the Sibelius Academy, discuss post-graduation opportunities, how to continue creating art, and how they navigate Finland’s and Helsinki's art scene after graduating. The episode also includes conversations about language learning and cultural experiences.
Timestamps
(0:30) - Self-introduction
(1:38) - What do most people do after graduating from your academy?
(3:15) - What are the possibilities for international students in your program?
(7:40) - What grants have you been applying for, and what projects are you working on?
(12:10) - The notion of being aware of what is represented subconsciously.
(12:45) - What kind of support does your academy provide after graduation?
(17:40) - How would you write a multi-year grant working plan? Or do you plan at all?
(25:06) - Does your academy provide support for developing your career?
(30:11) - What are you looking for from the Fine Arts Academy? The importance of commitment to what you’re doing.
(35:28) - Microtonal music program
(38:15) - From performing art to working in politics.
(40:12) - How do grant applications and job searching affect your visa application?
(41:22) - Helsinki as a place suitable for interdisciplinary work.
(44:05) - Cultural exclusion and language learning experiences.
(49:33) - Final tips for the listeners